Phase 1 of Kindergarten: Meet and Greet

Pete and I took Gavin out to lunch for a treat. We don't have many opportunities to have one on one time with our kids often so we took advantage. It was nice. I met them for lunch and then we went to Kindergarten meet and greet. We drove together to the school, Heritage Elementary of Franklin Regional Schools, and went in the front door. This is were Gavin dug his feet into the ground. He made it in the front door but no further. He had no interest in going into the gym where people were gathering. He told us no, repeatedly. His teacher, Ms. Weaver, gave it a try. She knelt down and talked to him. Told him that he could go in with other parents and kids and that it would all be OK. Pete tried. I choked back tears. Ms. Weaver tried again but Mr. King, principal, was starting introductions. I knelt down, nearly choked, and told him that it was OK to be scared but that we were going in together and we would be with him all the way. He conceded and we went in the gym. We sat for a few minutes and then split up into classes with the Kindergarten teachers. Gavin will have Ms. Weaver through December 1 and then his full-time teacher, Mrs. Martz, will return from maternity leave.

We toured the cafeteria - snack included - the playground and had a bus safety demonstration. Of course it was 90 degrees outside, but Pete and Gavin toughed it out. Gavin did pretty well starting to talk to some of the kids. He was pretty quiet though. I was very proud of him though because each time Ms. Weaver asked them to line-up or gave directions, he did a great job (credit goes to Salem Crossroads Daycare and his wonderful experiences there!).

The only disappointment of the day was not getting to see his classroom. He has been trying to visit a classroom since orientation in the spring. Actually, now that I think about it he did to a Kindergarten visit day with his preschool class. Either way, I see it as motivation for Phase 2...

For the rest of the afternoon, I picked Nora up early and took Gavin and Nora to see G-Force. It was pretty cute but everything these days is in 3D. It is pretty cool but way overplayed and in this case, completely unecessary. Movie companies are purely in it for the extra $2-4 surcharge for the glasses which they promptly ask you to "recycle" -> clean and reuse/recharge somebody else!! OK, soapbox is over...

It was a nice day to spend together but really tough to accept that my baby is going to Kindergarten! I love you Gavin. I am very proud of you, you are bright, energetic and sensitive soul. I pray for your health, safety, education and happiness as you begin this next phase of your life. Another step into childhood. I am enjoying the journey, even it is not right be your side. I'll always be there when you skip off to the bus. I'll always be there when you come home. Go out there and be extraordinary!!